<h2>Name</h2>
<p>
The Surah is so designated after the first sentence.
</p>
<h2>Period of Revelation</h2>
<p>
Its subject matter so closely resembles that of Surah Ad-Duha that both
these Surah seem to have been revealed in about the same period under
similar conditions. According to Hadrat Abdullah bin Abbas, it was
sent down in Makkah just after wad-Duha.
</p>
<h2>Theme and Subject Matter</h2>
<p>
The aim and object of this Surah too is to console and encourage the
Holy Messenger (upon whom be Allah's peace). Before his call he never
had to encounter the conditions which he suddenly had to encounter
after it when he embarked on his mission of inviting the people to
Islam. This was by itself a great revolution in his own life of which
he had no idea in his life before Prophethood. No sooner had he
started preaching the message of Islam than the same society which had
esteemed him with unique honor, turned hostile to him. The same
relatives and friends, the same clansmen and neighbors, who used to
treat him with the highest respect, began to shower him with abuse and
invective. No one in Makkah was prepared to listen to him; he began to
be ridiculed and mocked in the street and on the road; and at every
step he had to face new difficulties. Although gradually he became
accustomed to the hardships, even much severer ones, yet the initial
stage was very discouraging for him. That is why first Surah Ad-Duha was
sent down to console him, and then this Surah. 
</p>
<p>
In it, at the outset,
Allah says: "We have favored you, O Prophet, with three great
blessings; therefore you have no cause to be disheartened. The first
is the blessing of <em>Sharh Sadr</em> (opening up of the breast), the second
of removing from you the heavy burden that was weighing down your back
before the call, and the third of exalting your renown the like of
which has never been granted to any man before. Further below in the
notes we have explained what is implied by each of these blessings and
how great and unique these blessings indeed are! 
</p>
<p>
After this, the Lord
and Sustainer of the universe has reassured His Servant and Messenger
(upon whom be peace) that the period of hardships which he is passing
through, is not very long, but following close behind it there is also
a period of ease. This same thing has been described in Surah Ad-Duha,
saying: "Every later period is better for you than the former period,
and soon your Lord will give you so much that you will be well
pleased." 
</p>
<p>
In conclusion, the Holy Prophet has been instructed, so as
to say, "You can develop the power to bear and resist the hardships of
the initial stage only by one means, and it is this: `When you are
free from your occupations, you should devote yourself to the labour
and toil of worship, and turn all your attention exclusively to your
Lord'."This same instruction has been given him in much greater detail
in Surah Al-Muzzammil 1-9.
</p>

